Curves Vs. The Modelling Industry

Mar 2, 2017

3 min read

Now, I have previously written posts about articles that have made me feel extremely angry, and this one is no doubt in that list. Last week, I read an article didn't surprise me, but still evoked emotion.

In December 2016, curvy model Ashley Graham was asked to model for the cover of British Vogue. However, according to The Independent, the editor-in-chief of British Vogue Alexandra Shulman revealed that there were designers who 'flat out refused' to dress Ashley.

Although she didn't name the brands who failed to supply clothes, in her editor's letter, Shulman did praise fashion house Coach and its creative director Stuart Vevers for providing clothing 'that was outside of their sample range' at the last minute.

Nevertheless, she went on to add that designers who failed to provide garments were 'unwise' given that many believe that the modelling industry should be more diverse. This part of the article struck me the most as it is the main point that my blog is arguing IF YOU SAY THERE SHOULD BE DIVERSITY, WHY ISN'T THERE?.

Here is a snippet from The Independent of Alexandra Shulman's editor's letter:

“They [Coach] were enthusiastic about dressing a woman who is not a standard model but sadly there were other houses that flatly refused to lend us their clothes,” Shulman wrote. “It seems strange to me that while the rest of the world is desperate for fashion to embrace broader definitions of physical beauty, some of our most famous fashion brands appear to be travelling in the opposite – and in my opinion, unwise – direction.”

Now, most of you may be thinking, why is one of the most popular fashion magazines in Britain campaigning in favour of bigger models? Personally, when I first read the article I was thinking the same. But upon reflection, I realised what a bold move that was.

I feel that as a magazine with such a huge platform who could very easily lose readers and their connections with the likes of Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent and many more, it is admirable that they are speaking out and voicing an opinion that is unpopular with the majority of the fashion industry.

Hopefully, other magazines are able to follow suit as highlighting the issue is the only way something is going to be done about it. Ashley Graham is an extremely well-established model and campaigner for the fuller figure and I realise that using her rather than Kate Moss, for example, is going against the grain so to say, but I feel it is important. It normalises the figure and makes the world embrace other shapes and sizes.

Like Alexandra said, we now live in a world that is desperate to embrace the fuller figure and the broader physique, why can't get designers to do that. To let go of this long running stigma. With British Vogue and other magazines displaying models with other body shapes, what is wrong with the rest of the industry.

Now I understand why they prefer slimmer women. They want to dress them as quickly as they can when on the catwalk. They are essentially hangers that clothes are displayed on. But why not invest that time in REAL WOMEN, who haven't had to diet to be as slim as they are. That is the only way society will move forward.

Here is Ashley Graham's January 2017 British Vogue Cover: